*
banner

We do love to be beside the seaside...

The delegates of the International Brass Band Summer School are already enjoying the music, fun and brilliant weather in Swansea — with 'Great' news about their end of course concert too...

IBBSS
  The 'team' photo this year has been taken on the beach

Delegates from around the globe have already arrived in Swansea for the start of the International Brass Band Summer School.

Supported by the Geneva Group and led by Black Dyke Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs, their arrival has coincided with a return of Welsh sunshine — so much so that the traditional 'team' photo this year was taken on the wide expanse of the beach just outside the University of Swansea Bay campus.

Concert boost

A further boost has also come with the news that the end of course concert will now be held at the University's Great Hall concert venue — which will be opened specially for the event on Friday evening at 7.00pm.

Course administrator, Alison Childs told 4BR: "We couldn't have asked for a better way to start. There is a great atmosphere with nearly 100 delegates from around the world.

Everyone is enjoying the fantastic facilities, the delegates are finding the repertoire really engaging, and the sun is shining!"

Everyone is enjoying the fantastic facilities, the delegates are finding the repertoire really engaging, and the sun is shining!Alison Childs

Great Hall

Alison added: "All this and the concert on Friday evening will now be at the Great Hall — a fantastic venue that hosts all the university's official ceremonies and a couple of years ago hosted the Welsh Regional Championships."

The Course Director is also looking forward to leading the band at the venue, as he added: "That latest news came as another great boost and our thanks go to the University for allowing us to use such a fantastic facility.

We've promised not to take the roof off with the sound of the band, but we will come close I'm sure!"

Concert details:


Gala Concert:
Friday 5th August at 7.00pm

Great Hall
Swansea University Bay Campus,
Fabian Way,
Skewen,
Swansea
SA1 8EP

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


swiss

Swiss connections add to Lucerne coverage

November 27 • 4BR will be linking up with their Swiss friends at BRASS BAND NEWS to provide extra insight and opinions about the performances in Lucerne this weekend.


Philip Sparke

Sparke ignites demand for 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival

November 27 • There has already been an eager snap up of tickets for the showcase event at the RNCM in Manchester in January — led by a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Sparke.


Perth

Domestic and cross border challengers head to Perth

November 27 • The bands are putting their final touches to their preparations for the Scottish Open and Scottish Youth Championships this weekend in Perth.


Whitburn

Whitburn and Scottish banding to benefit from Besson and Bergarault link

November 27 • The two major instrument manufacturers link up to provide Scottish Champions and SBBA with percussion boost.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Hathersage Band

November 27 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


wantage silver band

November 27 • 4th section national finalists Wantage Academy are looking for a Bb bass and 2nd cornet to complete their team. A friendly, welcoming band who rehearse Wed 7-8:30pm and Sat 10am-12 under MD Gavin Clemons.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd